Beacon Insurance Group Expands Coastal Homeowner’s Insurance Offerings

The coastal insurance marketplace for consumers just improved in South Carolina.  Beacon Insurance Group recently finalized contracting with three additional carriers who will be offering choices for South Carolina homeowners insurance.

The new homeowners insurance companies are all rated A or better by either A.M. Best or Demotech rating agencies.  The insurance and financial marketplace, along with decreasing reinsurance costs have allowed companies to expand into coastal homeowners insurance writings in South Carolina areas such as Hilton Head Island, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach.  This most recent influx in companies and capacity should put pressure for more competitive rates.  Homeowners will still find that newer, better constructed homes and higher credit scores will obtain them the best possible rates.

Not every coastal homeowners insurance carrier targets the same types of homes or distance from coastal waters. A thorough review of each homeowner’s situation needs to performed and evaluated. When choosing a carrier, a homeowner should consider the claim paying ability of the insurance carrier. Not all insurance carriers have the manpower or capacity to offer swift claims responses in a catastrophic situation.  During testimony before a Senate hearing on Superstorm Sandy, it was claimed the lack of available catastrophic adjusters was an issue in delaying the payment of claims.

Most of the newer companies just began writing business in August 2014.  “We have been comparing rates on the new companies with existing companies we represent and we are quite pleased with the competitive options they provide our clients and prospects”, stated Ken Groff, partner at Beacon Insurance Group.

About Beacon Insurance Group:

Beacon Insurance Group is an independent insurance broker located in Bluffton, South Carolina. Beacon is a compilation of experienced insurance professionals who develop innovative solutions for South Carolina Insurance and risk management needs. The South Carolina agency utilizes both innovative and alternative risk methods in strategic planning for their clients. Beacon Insurance Group works hard to understand needs and problems which assist them in providing solutions that are designed specifically for their clients. Beacon’s forward looking approach helps protect their clients from seen and unseen risk factors.

Beacon Insurance Group – the right people can make a difference in your insurance program.

 

Beacon Insurance Group Expands Coastal Homeowner’s Insurance Offerings

Top 10 Events to Attend in April

Spring has finally sprung! After a chilling winter, warmer weather is finally making its long awaited comeback! Sunshine and flip-flops are on the radar! Get out there and enjoy the springtime along with some awesome events!

Saturday, April 5- Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest

From 11AM-5PM, join several participating restaurants at Shelter Cove Community Park to taste some delicious dishes. The Headliners will be performing their large selection of music to please everyone’s music pallet! The annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest is presented by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation and Hilton Head Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to help raise money for the American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Research Center and Island Recreation Scholarship Fund. The Carmines family, owners of Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks restaurant, established the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation in memory of their son. Many great restaurants will be participating this year, so don’t be crabby and come enjoy the fun!

Saturday, April 12, 2014- Country Star Justin More performing in Beaufort

Slide on your best pair of boots and head to Beaufort to see Justin Moore and Randy Houser perform live! All seats are general admission and will be $30 for the general public in advance and $35 if they are purchased the day of the concert. Visit http://www.mccs-sc.com/concert/index.asp for more information!

Saturday, April 12-20-Weeki Wachee Mermaids Performing in Charleston

Mermaids! That’s all I have to say. Jump in the car and take the short trip to Charleston to see the World Famous Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park perform underwater shows at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. The performers will perform three shows daily at 11AM, 1:30PM and 3PM. The shows will include regular admission fees ranging from $15-$25.

Monday, April 14-Sunday April 20- RBC Heritage Tournament presented by Boeing

Golf fans beware, the best week to hit Hilton Head Island at Harbour Town Golf Links has arrived! The 46th annual RBC Heritage tournament, South Carolina’s only PGA Tour event, is here! Raising millions of dollars for charities over the years, this fun event gives fans the opportunity to watch their favorite golfers up close and personal. For more information regarding the tournament and ticket prices, please visit http://www.rbcheritage.com/tickets.

Friday, April 18-Easter Bunny Wagon Ride

Learn about the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and meet the Easter Bunny before the wagon ride! Please make reservations by contacting the Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. Prices are $15/adults and $10/children 12 and under.

Sunday, April 20-Easter Egg Hunt

Come to Harbour Town for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and enjoy a visit from the Easter Bunny himself! The event will be located at the lawn adjacent to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town. If you would like more information, please contact the Recreation Department at 843-842-1979. The event is complimentary.

Friday, April 25- Fishing Camp for Kids

What a great way to get the kids away from their iPads and video games and into the outdoors! Send the kids to this interactive day camp located at the Coastal Discovery Museum. The camp will help kids learn about fishing, crabbing and shrimping. Cost is $35/child and ages are 7-14. Please make reservations by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223.

Saturday, April 26-Sunday, April 27-The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn

Venture out to the wide open space of Honey Horn. This outdoor arts festival will include clay, wood, fibers, metals, glass, jewelry, watercolors, oil, and mixed media and photography for sale. The show will start at 10AM Saturday morning until 5PM, and 11AM on Sunday through 4PM. There will also be demonstrations held all weekend as well as food and beverages available for sale. For more information, please call 843-689-6767 ext. 223.

Tuesday, April 29-Shelter Cove Farmers Market

Starting April 29 and continuing on until October 28, the Shelter Cove Farmers Market will have local produce vendors, artisan, crafters, food vendors and more along with live music. When summer rolls around, the market will close with the fireworks display. From now until June 16, the hours will be 4PM-7PM and extend from 4PM-9PM from June 17-August 12. For more information, please visit http://islandreccenter.org/vc.php?ID=434.

Wednesday, April 30- 9 to 5: The Musical 9 to 5

The Musical will be performed at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. The plot involved three female co-workers plan to get even with their egotistical boss. There’s humor, romance, and some outrage! Preview tickets are $44 for adults and $31 for children 4-15, and regular tickets are $54 and $37 for children. For more information, please visit https://tickets.artshhi.com/public/.

It’s Oyster Season! Here are some tips about Oyster Safety!

Steam them, roast them, cook them, fry them or eat them raw; this time of the year you can’t go wrong when eating these scrumptious delicacies.

The lowcountry is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best local oysters around! Oysters enjoyed around the Bluffton/Hilton head area come from the May River and can either be purchased, or if you are feeling adventurous, hand-picked by you! Be careful though, oyster beds are very sharp and dangerous and must not be walked on. It is also very important to know where oyster beds are located when boating, they could do a lot of damage!

Here are some tips about being safe when purchasing, storing, and shucking oysters!

• Make sure they are fresh. If an oyster is open, don’t buy it!
• Keep them cold but do NOT immerse live oysters into water! Layer them with ice in a cooler OR store them in the refrigerator at 40 degrees
• To shuck an oyster, hold it tightly with one hand and hold an oyster knife in the other. Slip the top of the knife between the shells near the hinge of the oyster, moving your way up in a twisting motion. Be careful though, it’s easy to slip so be extra cautious!

Many people like to eat them just the way they are, but if you want some extra flavor, add some hot sauce, or my favorite combo, horseradish and cocktail sauce! Many people also make a mini oyster sandwich with some Saltine crackers. Whatever your preference may be, you can’t go wrong!

Get out there and get some oysters before the season is over and it’s too late! You won’t be disappointed! Shuck on!

-Morgan